1,535 Acres in Oconto, NE - $4,550,000

The Devine Ranch: Tract 2: Tract two is the heart of the ranch and the most diverse.  Tract two is approximately 1,535± acres including one center pivot (138 acres).  The center pivot is a Valley pivot that is 15 years old, and is owned by the tenant. The 50hp electric pivot motor is owned by the Seller.  The pivot lays well and is very productive.  Landlord rent has been in excess of $250 per acre.  There are no NRD water controls affecting this center pivot.  This tract also contains approximately 179± acres of dryland cultivated land, approximately 129± acres of sub-irrigated meadow and recreational property, and approximately 1,045± acres of hardland pasture.  Tract two is simply a beautiful river front property with excellent county road access, with top notch recreational opportunities.  There are whitetailed deer, mule deer, wild turkey, predator and trapping opportunities, as well as fishing along the South Loup River.  There is an abundance of cover along the banks of the South Loup River with adjacent croplands and plenty of water and wildlife cover making this ranch an amazing recreational destination.  Tract two is the location of the former homestead, which offers a mature shelterbelt for an excellent location for a home or cabin site.   There is one well for stock tanks on a pipeline, and one stock pond for year round water.  Broker comment: the recreational hunting is excellent and could be leased to an outfitter. Deeded Acres By County Record Tract 2 – Taxes: $21,337.68 Center pivot irrigated: 138.8± Dryland cultivated: 179.85± Sub-irrigated/dryland/recreational: 129± Hardland pasture: 1,046± Road, homesite, waste: 41.50± TOTAL: 1,535± Location/Background The Devine Ranch is located in South Central Custer County near Oconto, Nebraska, approximately 25 miles North from Lexington, which has one of the largest beef packing plants in the region.  This ranch was homesteaded by John A. Devine who is still considered a very prominent man of Oconto.  The current Owners of the Devine Ranch are direct descendants of the original Devine Family that homesteaded it.  This is the first time this ranch has been for sale since it was homesteaded 132 years ago in 1889. Rainfall The rainfall in the area and location of this ranch ranges from 20”-24” per year with the majority of it falling during the growing season.  It is generally considered consistent and reliable to the extent that cattle sell downs because droughts are rare. Minerals The current ownership will convey all the owned minerals. Exchanges The current ownership will cooperate with 1031 exchanges. Ogallala Aquifer The Sandhills of Nebraska support the largest fresh water aquifer in the continental U.S.  Known as the Ogallala or High Plains Aquifer, it develops fresh water bearing material where this ranch is located.  Stock wells and irrigation wells are generally considered shallow by comparison to other cattle producing regions in other states.  The Devine Ranch is located in the Ogallala Aquifer that supports approximately 400-600 feet of fresh water bearing material in the area of the ranch.  Static and pumping levels for both irrigation wells and stock wells are considered shallow and excellent.  A major factor in this is the South Loup River that traverses through Tract two. Landlord Revenue Estimate Tract 2 138.8 AC Center Pivot @ $275/AC – $38,170 179.85 AC Dryland Cultivated @ $75/AC – $13,489 129 AC Sub-Irrigated/Dryland/Recreational Meadow = $1,800 (24 AC @ $75/AC) Deer = $5,000 – Hunting Income Turkey = $2,500 – Hunting Income Total = $9,300 1046 AC Hardland Pasture @ .80 AUMs/AC – 837 AUMs 837 AUMs/12 months – 70 AUs or 15 Acres/AU 837/5 months / 1.6 BWE – 104 Pair or 10 AC/ Pair 104 Pair @ $65/pair / month for 5 months $33,800 $94,759 Gross Income $21,338 Real Estate Taxes $3,000 R & R Pivot $2,500 Misc (weed control) $67,921 Net Income, Say $68,000 Net to Landlord Year Around Carrying Capacity Estimate Tract 2 1067 AUMs/12 mo – 89 AUs – (Meadow grazing 90 AUMs, Pivot grazing 140 AUMs, Rangeland grazing 837 AUMs) 89 AUs .80 71 cows (Cow Calf Retaining Replacement Bulls) 1535 AC/89 AUs – 17 AC/AU 1535 AC/71 Cows – 22 AC/Cow Summary Estimate Tract 2 1535 Acres $94,759 Gross Income $68,000 Net Income Irrigation Well Data – Electric Center Pivot, 50 HP electric motor Well Registration – G-025636 Well ID – 32190 Static Water Level – 49 Ft Pumping Level 103 Ft Gallons Per Minute – 1100 GPM Lower Loup NRD – CIA’s 147.96 AC Estimated annual H.P. Charge – $2,500 Estimated annual energy charge – $4,500 Total annual estimated costs – $7,000 Owner Jim Devine, President History The Devine family has deep seated roots in the Oconto, Nebraska area dating back to the late 1800’s, John A. Devine settled the South Loup Valley Ranch, (The Devine Ranch) in the 1880’s.  He was a long time stockman and a substantial farmer and leader in the community.  John A. Devine has pioneer honors in Custer County and his character was the positive expression of a strong, loyal, and noble nature.  John A. Devine made his life count for good in all of its relationships, and helped in the civic and industrial development, and the building of Custer County, Nebraska. Frank “Bounce” Devine served his country with the US Navy from January of 1942, until April 1946 serving on the USS West Virginia.  Later the family moved to Oconto, Nebraska. In 1950 he was employed at the Farmers Bank of Oconto for over 40 years, serving as President from 1975-1983. James V. Devine once said the financial interest of any growing community is among the most important, because upon this rests the opportunity for progress or the probability of retrogression.  James V. Devine was also devoted to the family farm. In 1889, they located the farmstead near Oconto and settled there.  He appreciated the dignity of labor, the value of industry, and the necessity of honesty and integrity. Today the Devine Ranch still exists and is very well maintained by James T. Devine from Colorado and Frank Devine from Arizona who currently lease the ranch.  The ranch reflects the care and conservation efforts that James T. Devine has provided over the years of his tenure. Excerpts from the Custer County Historical Society, in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Address: Oconto, NE 68860 County: Custer